Pages

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Keeping a Normal Routine

You all are going to get tired of seeing Cosmo in his new stroller, but I can't get enough of it! Even before surgery, Cosmo didn't like to go on walks. He'll zoom around the yard and over agility jumps, but walking?... forget it!

Yesterday I was able to take our longest stroller walk yet, around the neighborhood and then into Virginia Highland to window shop. We stopped in at Mitzi's Corner where Cosmo enjoyed a little extra attention.

You can tell he totally digs it. Then on the way home, he walked part of the way. So Cosmo still gets enough exercise and so do I... have you ever pushed a stroller uphill?!

Cosmo cancer update: Since the surgery post, Cosmo has been recovering nicely. But cancer was confirmed in the lung tumor that was removed as well as in a surrounding lymph node. The type is an adenocarcinoma and Cosmo will begin chemo treatments using Carboplatin later this week.

The plan is to give him a treatment every three weeks for five treatments. After three treatments, more tests will be done to determine effectiveness of the treatment and then we'll decide if we continue. Because Cosmo is in good heath otherwise and still very active (he turned 10 on Sept. 10) our goal is to maintain good life quality and at the same time, try to wipe out the cancer.

Now here's the reality. Average survival time of dogs with metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinoma is 9-12 months, although dogs living longer have been reported. It's a relatively rare cancer so there is little data or studies regarding efficacy of treatments for a dog in Cosmo's situation. So maybe we'll be pioneers and set a new standard.

Oh Diane, we've been away for a few days and are just catching up on Cosmo's report. Purrs and many hugs to you - sweet Cosmo means the world to us and we're so glad he's still zoomin' (and stolling) though we can only imagine this news is difficult for you.

We're so glad there's a chemo therapy available for him and pray that it is effective on those nasty cells!

One thing I know from reading parts of Cosmos'life and journey with you. He is a lot of things wonderful, one thing he is not is normal. So I would conut on Cosmo defying all odds. Every time I look at Cosmo,no matter where he is or what he is doing I smile or laugh.My pryers have not stopped,nor will they. Cosmo is a treasure who you have so graciously shared with so many. Adi and Kezi are with you too...

Made me sad to read the stats, but like Lyvonne said. Cosmo may not be average. Well, we know he isn't! He's special. So glad you have the stroller and that he can still get around a bit on his own too. Pulling for you Cosmo!